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KAMPALA, Uganda – The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has officially released the 2025 Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) examination results today, 13 March 2026, at State House Nakasero. The ceremony, presided over by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Museveni, alongside UNEB Chairperson Prof. Celestino Obua and Executive Director Dan Odongo, revealed a significant surge in candidate numbers and a notable improvement in overall performance compared to the previous year.
Addressing the media and education stakeholders, Prof. Celestino Obua noted that the 2025 assessment cycle was the largest in history, with the Board examining a total of 1,402,434 candidates across PLE, UCE, and UACE levels—an increase from 1,294,731 in 2024.
How Many Students Sat for the UACE 2025 Examinations?
The UACE level specifically saw a massive 17.2% increase in entries. A total of 166,400 candidates registered for the 2025 exams, up from 141,996 in 2024. Of these, 165,172 candidates actually sat for the exams.
While the number of male candidates (92,798) still outweighs that of females (72,374) at the A-Level, the gap is slowly narrowing as public confidence in national assessments and access to post-O’ Level education continues to grow. To accommodate this growth, the number of examination centers increased by 8.7%, from 2,255 to 2,452.
What Percentage of Candidates Qualified for University Admission in 2025?
The 2025 results show a marked performance improvement. According to the data, 68.6% of candidates (113,291 students) obtained at least two Principal passes, which is the minimum requirement for university admission in Uganda. This is an increase from 65.5% in 2024.
Below is a breakdown of the performance levels:
| Pass Level | 2025 No. of Cands | 2025 %age | 2024 No. of Cands | 2024 %age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Principal Passes (3P) | 68,906 | 41.7% | 54,338 | 38.6% |
| 2 Principal Passes (2P) | 44,385 | 26.9% | 37,935 | 26.9% |
| 1 Principal Pass (1P) | 31,838 | 19.3% | 29,233 | 20.7% |
| 1 Subsidiary Pass (1S) | 18,152 | 11.0% | 17,750 | 12.6% |
| Fail (F) | 1,891 | 1.1% | 1,632 | 1.2% |
| Total Sat | 165,172 | 100% | 140,884 | 100% |
With 113,291 students qualifying for university degrees, UNEB Executive Director Dan Odongo noted that higher education institutions should prepare for an influx, as an extra 21,018 university places will be needed compared to last year. Additionally, 87.9% of candidates (145,129) qualified for admission to tertiary institutions like TVETs for diploma programs.
Who Performed Better Between Boys and Girls in the 2025 UACE Results?
The 2025 results highlight a continuing trend: female candidates are performing significantly better than their male counterparts in quality grades. Females performed better in the Humanities and had lower overall failure rates.
However, a gender divide remains in subject selection. More girls are opting for Humanities, while males dominate the Sciences. While females outperformed males at the A–E principal level pass in subjects like Mathematics, Physics, and ICT, the top-tier “A” passes in Science subjects remain dominated by male candidates.
“The Board observes that broader participation of both male and female candidates in Science subjects will enhance equity and balance across future professional fields,” Dan Odongo stated.
What Support Was Provided for Special Needs Education (SNE) Candidates in 2025?
UNEB has continued to prioritize inclusivity, with a record 540 Special Needs Education (SNE) candidates registering in 2025, compared to 437 in 2024. The Board provided various considerations, including Braille for the blind, large print for those with low vision, and sign language interpreters for the deaf.
| Category | 2025 Total | 2024 Total | Support Provided |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blind | 26 | 25 | Braille |
| Low Vision | 113 | 112 | Large Print |
| Deaf | 18 | 13 | Sign Language Interpreters |
| Severe Physical Impairment | 25 | 22 | Amanuensis (Support Personnel) |
| Dyslexics | 41 | 34 | Transcribers |
| Other (Asthma, Epilepsy, etc.) | 317 | 231 | Extra Time (45 mins) |
| Total | 540 | 437 |
Which Subjects Recorded the Best and Worst Performance in UACE 2025?
Performance improved significantly in Mathematics, Chemistry, Agriculture, Geography, and Economics. Biology and Literature in English also saw positive gains.
On the flip side, there was a decline in Entrepreneurship Education, Christian Religious Education (CRE), Fine Arts, and Physics.
The Board highlighted several persistent challenges:
- Humanities: Candidates struggled with question interpretation, analytical skills, and logical flow. In CRE, students found it difficult to connect Holy Book teachings to real-life situations.
- Sciences: The lack of practical exposure remains a hurdle. Many candidates failed to present data graphically, struggled with chemical equations, or mismanaged experimental procedures.
- Real-world Application: A general weakness across all subjects was the inability of candidates to apply academic knowledge to practical, real-life scenarios.
How Many UACE 2025 Results Were Withheld Due to Exam Malpractice?
Executive Director Dan Odongo reported that malpractice cases at the UACE level remain remarkably low. Only 351 candidates (0.2% of the total) from 47 examination centers were involved in suspected malpractice.
The most common offenses included receiving assistance during Science practicals, possession of unauthorized materials, and impersonation. In accordance with the UNEB Act, the results of these 351 candidates have been withheld pending investigations. Hearings for these cases are expected to begin after the UCE hearings conclude in late March 2026.
How Do I Check My UACE 2025 Results via SMS or Online?
Schools can download their result slips from the UNEB portal. Candidates and parents can also access results via SMS by following these steps:
- Go to the Messages menu on your phone.
- Type UACE [Space] Index Number (e.g., UACE U0001/501).
- Send the message to 6600.
- You will receive a reply with your grades shortly. This service is available on all mobile networks.
Just for the record, the Ministry of Education has urged schools to focus more on practical Science teaching and analytical thinking in Humanities to ensure that Ugandan graduates are not only certified but also competent for the modern workforce.
